CURRENT AFFAIRS
CURRENT AFFAIRS
Description
Pakistan is facing an escalating climate crisis, with recent flash floods claiming the lives of at least 32 individuals. The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has issued a series of alerts warning of potential glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs), urban inundation, and additional flash flooding events in the coming weeks. These warnings coincide with Pakistan being ranked among the most climate-vulnerable countries in the world, reflecting the profound social and economic toll of environmental disruptions.
Geographic And Climatic Vulnerability
Pakistan’s geographic position intensifies its susceptibility to climate change impacts. The country contains over 13,000 glaciers, the highest number outside the polar regions. As global temperatures continue to rise, glacial melt accelerates, heightening the risk of sudden and devastating floods. In addition, the region frequently endures extreme weather conditions such as heatwaves, unpredictable monsoons, and long dry spells patterns similarly affecting large swathes of northern India.
Compounding Natural Disasters
Beyond climate-induced hazards, Pakistan is also located in a seismically active zone, making it prone to earthquakes. The combination of tectonic activity and intensified weather patterns places the nation in a perpetual state of disaster readiness, stretching its emergency response systems thin and threatening large segments of the population.
Human-Induced Challenges And Infrastructure Gaps
Administrative inefficiencies and poor governance have significantly worsened the effects of climate change in Pakistan. Many of the recent fatalities were attributed not to the floods themselves, but to failing infrastructure such as collapsing rooftops, especially in Punjab province. In regions like Swat, delayed disaster response sparked public protests, highlighting systemic shortcomings in emergency management and public service delivery.
Urbanisation And Slum Vulnerability
Rapid, unplanned urban expansion has led to the proliferation of informal settlements known as katchi abadis, now home to over half of the country’s urban population. These densely populated areas often lack basic sanitation, drainage, and flood-resistant housing, making them particularly vulnerable to water-logging and heatwaves. The urban "heat island" effect where built environments trap and intensify heat exacerbates living conditions in these areas.
Escalating Air Pollution Crisis
Air quality in major cities is deteriorating due to a combination of factors. Unregulated vehicle emissions, outdated industrial practices, inefficient energy use, and the widespread practice of burning garbage contribute to rising pollution levels. Poor air quality is becoming a major public health issue, leading to increased respiratory ailments and reduced quality of life in urban areas.
Political Criticism And Policy Gaps
Current and former leaders have criticised the inadequate response from government institutions to the growing environmental emergency. The former Climate Change Minister called for urgent and coordinated action. While the government has reached out to international partners for climate-related funding, progress on domestic climate policy implementation remains slow.
Financial Requirements For Climate Resilience
Pakistan is actively seeking financial support from the global community to address the mounting costs of climate mitigation and adaptation. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has approved approximately USD 1.4 billion through its Resilience and Sustainability Facility. Nonetheless, Pakistan estimates that it requires around USD 200 billion by 2030 to adequately finance its climate action plan, covering both emission reduction and adaptation initiatives.
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